A.
In accordance with the Charter, the County Executive shall appoint
a board which shall be known as the "Board of Electrical Examiners,"
consisting of seven persons for the purpose of examining the qualifications
and capabilities of all persons who are engaged in, or desire to engage
in, the business of master electrician or limited electrician as defined
in this chapter.
[Amended 11-13-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-12]
B.
The County Executive, in accordance with the Charter, shall appoint
seven members. All members shall be residents of Cecil County. The
Board so appointed shall consist of at least four persons, who are
competent practical Cecil County master electricians who have been
duly licensed as master electricians for at least three consecutive
years prior to the appointment. One member shall be a person whose
name appears on a list of candidates recommended by the Cecil County
Fireman's Association, if such a list is furnished to the County
Executive. The remaining member or members shall be persons selected
by the County Executive, as may be deemed appropriate, who may or
may not be from the building industry, a utility company or the general
public.
[Amended 11-13-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-12; 5-6-2014 by Bill No. 2014-09]
C.
Two of the members appointed shall serve a term of one year, three
of the members appointed shall serve terms of two years, and two of
the members appointed shall serve terms of three years. All appointments
for successors to the members appointed shall be for a period of three
years.
D.
If a vacancy occurs for any cause during the term of a Board member
as herein provided for, the County Executive shall appoint someone
to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term of said Board member.
In the case of a vacancy from among the practical electrician Board
members, the Board of Electrical Examiners shall submit to the County
Executive a list of three names of potential replacements, and such
appointment shall occur within 60 days.
[Amended 5-6-2014 by Bill
No. 2014-09]
The Board shall, at their annual November meeting, elect a Chairperson,
a Vice Chairperson and any other officers. The Vice Chairperson shall,
in the absence of the Chairperson, assume all duties and responsibilities
of the Chairperson. Any sitting officers may be elected to consecutive
terms.
Each member of said Board shall receive compensation at a rate
the County determines for attending meetings and other expenses incurred
in connection with his/her official duties. Any compensation and expenses
of said Board shall be paid out of the budget of the Department of
Permits and Inspections.
The Board shall meet at least quarterly in each year in Cecil
County and shall hold special meetings as frequently as the proper
and efficient discharge of its business requires. Four members of
the Board shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of doing business.
In all proceedings of the Board, a majority of all members thereof
shall be necessary to bind the Board.
The Board of Electrical Examiners shall advise the County and
aid in the supervision and enforcement of any rule or regulation adopted
pursuant to the authority of the code and Maryland law. The Board
shall act as an appeals board concerning matters arising under the
adopted code and any licensing provisions; the Board is authorized
to adopt rules of procedure. The Board shall perform other functions
as delegated from time to time by the County and shall be designated
with the following duties and powers:
A.
To recommend changes in this chapter setting up licensing regulations.
B.
To prepare and administer electrical licensing examinations.
C.
To make recommendations for the changes in codes pertaining to electrical
work in Cecil County.
D.
To aid in the conducting of hearings as determined necessary by the
County on electrical regulations and business.
E.
To approve reciprocal licensing agreements with other municipalities
and local governments with similar regulations.
F.
To recommend enforcement procedures as may be desirable and necessary
to assist the Department of Permits and Inspections from time to time
as it pertains to electrical inspections or specific issues or violations.
G.
Under the hand of the President of the Board, to subpoena witnesses
and compel their attendance, and the Board may also require the production
of papers or documents in any case involving the revocation of a license
or a charge of practicing or offering to practice without a license.
If any person refuses to obey a subpoena so issued or refuses to testify
or produce said papers or documentation, the Board shall present its
petition to the Circuit Court of Cecil County setting forth the facts.
H.
Through the Department of Permits and Inspections, the Board of Electrical
Examiners shall maintain minutes of its meetings. The Department of
Permits and Inspections shall maintain appropriate records relating
to licensing of electricians, permits and hearings.
I.
The Board of Electrical Examiners shall review applications and recommend
to the County approved electrical inspection agencies.
J.
The Board of Electrical Examiners shall establish the quantity, quality
and manner of performance of the continuing education requirements.
K.
The Board of Electrical Examiners shall advise the County on other
functions considered helpful in the control and conduct of electrical
business and installations within Cecil County.
[Amended 5-6-2014 by Bill
No. 2014-09]
The County Attorney and/or designee shall act as legal advisor
to the Board of Electrical Examiners and render such legal assistance
as the Board may request from time to time. The County Attorney and/or
designee shall represent the County and assist in any prosecution
of violations of this chapter.
A.
Any person affected by any decision made in connection with the enforcement
of any provision of this code, or of a regulation adopted pursuant
to this code, may request and may be granted a hearing before the
Board of Electrical Examiners in a manner as prescribed by this code.
B.
The appellant shall apply for a hearing within 15 days of the order,
notice or decision by which he/she is affected or which he/she feels
was unreasonable. The appellant in any matter shall have the burden
of proof and shall also be responsible for any cost incurred as established
by the County Council.
C.
Any decision of the Board of Electrical Examiners may be appealed
to the Circuit Court of Maryland in accordance with the Maryland Rules
of Procedure.
The Board of Electrical Examiners shall, through the Department
of Permits and Inspections, submit an annual report to the County,
before the first Tuesday of August of each year, containing a detailed
statement of all activities pertaining to licenses, examinations and
violations handled by the Board during the preceding fiscal year.
The Board shall submit to the County minutes of any meetings.